Work-for-Wages Brings Purpose to a Local Gang

The natural disasters and chronic poverty that have crippled Haiti for decades have caused this little island nation to be considered one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. The hardships have been worsened in recent years by devastating drought and serious political unrest. Inflation, closing of businesses, and soaring food prices leave many Haitians struggling to do more than merely survive.   One way CAM is bringing hope to some of these struggling people is by organizing Work-for-Wages projects, helping to meet their needs without creating dependency. Some of these projects are fixing roads, clearing canals, or digging water lines. Haitians become enabled to feed their families while also benefiting the community.

We have national employees who are out researching these projects, but sometimes Barry needs to go along to analyze prospective larger projects. One of these trips included a boat trip to the island of La Gonaive, where he hadn’t been for quite sometime.  Barry, Frantz (our prior translator who is now on the CAM team), and Makendy,  headed out before the sun was up to meet a small private boat and driver to take them to the island. It was a typical scorching hot, sunny day, magnified by the reflection off the water. The boat was merely a small fiberglass fishing boat, equipped with only a motor to move it across the water. There was nothing to sit on except the bottom of the boat as it bounced and bumped over the ocean waves. When too much water came in the boat, the other option was the narrow rim that wasn’t nearly big enough to actually sit on.  It was relieving to finally reach the island, where the next phase of the journey was a motorcycle ride over the nearly non-existent roads around the island. The project here will be to put latrines and hand-dug wells in several locations. When the motorcycle tour ended back at the shore, they bumped and bounced back to the main island. The ride had been so rough that Barry was terribly sore, bruised, and burnt bright red when he made it back to the base that evening. 

With all the political uncertainty in Haiti, gangs have taken over. Gangs fighting each other breaks the calm nights with rapid gun fire. The CAM base in Titanyan, Haiti has been targeted by the local gang. Demanding money and food they vandalize CAM vehicles and threaten with severity. After seeking God in the matter, Barry began working with the gang trying to resolve the ugly situation. After much dialogue, they agreed to lay down their gang mentality and try to find a way to help out the community, instead of terrorizing it. Soon they agreed to work on rebuilding a road that goes through town. The dirt road is a muddy river every time it rains, and continues to wash out. After working together, they came up with a plan. With our oversight, the gang began working, and with great vigor! They finished the first 20 meters In two days, 

surprising everyone! The men frequently stop in to check on the work and talk to the laborers, and their attitude has changed 180 degrees. They often ask questions about God, and say they would like Barry to hold a seminar for them to teach them about God. Phil asked them if they knew how to get to heaven.  A simple “no,” was their reply, but you could have heard a pin drop as they waited for the answer. The work for wages program has given these gang members something productive to do; something to live for.  The door has been opened!

Your continual prayers are certainly appreciated as we try to balance the many tasks to be done, including monitoring and making progress at SHM in Arcahaie. Barry is also teaching a few classes during the pastor training seminar, or BDC, which began this week.  Thanks for checking in!